A system for determining usability of an analytical test strip includes a sample chamber to receive a fluid sample, a reagent in the sample chamber having a moisture-varying impedance, and two detection electrodes contacting the reagent. A test meter applies an AC waveform across the reagent via the detection electrodes while measuring an impedance of the reagent. A processor automatically determines whether the measured impedance of the reagent meets a dryness criterion. The meter includes a housing, a strip port connector, an impedance measurement circuit and the processor. A method for determining usability of a strip inserted in a hand held meter includes applying an AC waveform across a reagent of the strip and measuring a first electrical signal, and determining whether the strip meets the dryness criterion based on the first electrical signal. The test strip and ways of determining an analyte are also described.